Three Tips for Dressing Up Your Pet for Halloween

Are you ready? Halloween is just a week away. As most pet parents scramble to put the finishing touches on their own costumes, some are scrounging for the cutest or scariest attire they can find for their pets, too. But hold on—are Halloween costumes really okay for our furry friends?

It depends, say experts. Our vets and behaviorists weighed in and said putting your pet in costume is okay as long as you’re certain he’s comfortable in his holiday gear.

If you decide to have your pet wear a costume, here are three helpful tips to keep in mind:

Your pet’s Halloween garb shouldn’t constrict his movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Be sure to try on costumes well in advance—and if your furry friend seems distressed, try switching to his birthday suit.

Examine your pet’s costume and make sure it doesn’t have any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get caught on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

Make sure your dog or cat has proper identification on underneath that cute costume. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost during Halloween festivities, tags or a microchip can be a lifesaver.

Are you planning to dress up your pet for Halloween? Let us know in the comment—and be sure to tag us @ASPCA if you upload any pics of your festive friend to Twitter or Instagram.

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My children are grown up. My dogs (one small and one medium) are my children. They come to me to be dressed when it is raining, chilly or when company is coming. They love the attention they get when wearing their outfits and costumes. I make sure everything they wear is comfortable and easy to remove.

Our pets are our children. They love to be held, cuddled, brushed, etc... you get the picture. Our larger gets excited when I pull out her housecoat, sweater or jacket on chilly nights. Our Chihuahua chills easily and runs to my feet shivering. She lifts her legs to help put on her sweaters, etc. After all they have feelings too. So yes it is ok to dress them or put costumes on them so long as they are comfortable.

Dear Maria, I am on your level agreed! Boy do they have feelings and mine and the breed are so very intelligent too! What a memory on my westie! All you have to do is take the car out of the garage and put an towel in it or chair and he knows he is off to aother place by his barks which is his talking. He loves attention by all and also loves all other dogs.

My sediments exactly...no, no, and no again! Me personally, I think it is humiliating and embarrassing, as well as it can be unsafe for them. It is not cute in my opinion! That's just my two cents worth!